Ankrum, a long-time Maui resident, was recognized for his years of service in the 14th Coast Guard District and his commitment to boating safety. His contributions include more than 2,500 hours as a communications watchstander at Station Maui, deployment to the Gulf of Mexico for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and for serving as a Coast Guard risk management and communications trainer.

Attendees at the award ceremony included crewmembers from Station Maui and members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Maui.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a uniformed civilian volunteer force created by an act of Congress in 1939 to augment the Coast Guard military service. Their ranks are made up of community members who share a goal of increasing boating safety awareness and assisting with homeland security.